Rhinos

Rhinoceroses, or rhinos, are large, powerful animals with thick skin and one or two horns on their noses. There are five species of rhinos. They live in Africa and Asia. Rhinos have been on Earth for over 50 million years.

Thick Skin

A rhino's skin can be over an inch thick, like armor. Despite their tough exterior, rhinos have sensitive skin and love mud baths. The mud protects them from sunburn and insect bites. Rhinos have poor eyesight but excellent hearing and sense of smell.

Endangered Giants

Rhinos are some of the most endangered animals on Earth. They are hunted for their horns, even though the horns are made of the same stuff as your fingernails, called keratin. Conservation groups work hard to protect rhinos. Some species have fewer than 80 individuals left.

Fun Facts

• A rhino's horn is made of keratin, the same protein as your hair.
• White rhinos are not white. Their name comes from a Dutch word meaning wide.
• Rhinos can run up to 35 miles per hour.

Did You Know?

The Javan rhino is one of the rarest large animals on Earth, with fewer than 80 left in the wild. They all live in one national park in Indonesia.